BETWEEN TECHNICAL TERMS—cunnilingus, fellatio, analingus—and more colloquial descriptors—giving head, going down, sucking off—oral sex has no shortage of names. But the lips-to-bits sex act has even more physical and emotional benefits.
Most obviously: Pleasure. “Receiving oral sex can be pleasurable because the mouth, lips, and tongue provide soft, warm, and highly controlled stimulation that is different from hands or penetration,” says Carolina Pataky, PhD, LMFT, a sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist in Coral Gables, Florida.
For people with penises, receiving a blowjob will stimulate the thousands of nerve endings concentrated in the head and the sensitive underbelly of the shaft, she explains. And for those with vulvas, oral sex is a top-notch way to sensate the nerve-dense clitoral glans, an organ central to orgasm for a reported 75 percent of women. “Cunnilingus is also a good way to stimulate the other sensitive areas of the vulva, including the inner labia and the external entrance to the vagina,” Pataky says, “which can create a layered sensory experience that many people find highly arousing.”
But the perks of puckering up before heading down south don’t start and stop with the receiver’s pleasure. Performing oral sex can also be incredibly enjoyable “because it combines physical stimulation, attentiveness, and multiple senses at once,” says Pataky. Besides the obvious one (taste), oral sex also involves touch, smell, and sound—from a sexy playlist to your partner’s moans.
Plus, getting up close and personal with another’s private parts naturally increases intimacy. “Focusing on a partner this intently can create a strong feedback loop that heightens connection on multiple levels,” she says. And because emotional connection is important to the overall health of a relationship, that intimacy will be felt long after everything is said and come.
12 Best Oral Sex Positions
SO, WHICH ORAL sex position should you sample? That depends on the exact experience you’re hungering for. While some are well-suited for eye-gazing, others position you perfectly for peach play. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find an option that optimizes pleasure and comfort with these 12 best oral sex positions.
At Men’s Health, we aim to describe sexual experiences as inclusively as possible. While many of these oral sex positions have traditionally been associated with cunnilingus, they can be adapted by couples of all genders and sexual orientations and identities. We encourage readers to modify any position to suit their bodies, preferences, and needs. To avoid making assumptions about gender or anatomy, we use non-gendered language throughout this article. The “giving partner” or “giver” refers to the partner performing oral sex, while the “receiving partner” or “receiver” refers to the partner receiving oral sex.
1. David Copperfield
How to: Essentially an oral sex-friendly version of lifted missionary, the David Copperfield enables the giver to do multiple magic “tricks” that can help deliver an incredible orgasm. The receiver lies on their back with a pillow underneath their lower back. Then, the giver lies facedown between their legs so that their mouth is within, ahem, spitting distance of the receiver’s genitals.
Benefits: The pillow ~magically~ tilts the receiver’s pelvis so their feet are well-positioned to rest on the giver’s shoulder blades. This helps display the entire genital area, including the historically-overlooked perineum as well as the anus, which puts salad-tossing on the table. Plus, it ensures that all involved are in a comfortable position (and that the giver isn’t straining their neck), says Rufus Spann, PhD, a sex therapist in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area.
Make it hotter: If the receiver has a vulva, the giver can gently push up on their abdomen, which can help expose the clitoris from underneath the clitoral hood. For those who enjoy direct or high-intensity clitoral stimulation, this can make pleasure lickity split. Abracadabra indeed.
2. Closed for Business
How to: Optimal for vulva-owners who are easily overstimulated and/or prefer indirect clitoral contact, this aptly-named option starts with the receiver lying flat on their back, legs closed. If mobility and comfort allow, the giver can straddle the receiver’s legs and lean forward. Or, if the mattress is big enough, the giver can also lie perpendicular to the receiver.
Benefits: When the receiver closes their legs, the giver’s tongue will naturally focus on the labia and other areas around the clit—as opposed to on the nerve-dense bud. Those who have historically found cunnilingus overstimulating will appreciate that this position focuses on the surrounding erogenous tissues, says Spann.
Remember, the clitoral network is so much more than that little bud at the top of the labia, so licking the surrounding area is still going to feel unbelievable. You can warm up in this position before transitioning into something more intense, or stay here for the duration of your oral sex sesh.
Make it hotter: Pressing the bulbous head of a wand vibrator down into the pubic area can transmit rumbly vibrations into the internal clitoral network. Our pick? The Magic Wand Rechargeable.
3. 69
How to: No oral sex position list would be complete without this classic. One partner lies on their back, and the other climbs on top, facing away from the other person’s upper body. When you’re in position, your genitals should be lined up with your partner’s mouth, and vice versa.
Benefits: The beauty of 69-ing is that it allows both partners to be the giver and receiver at the same time. “It can be exciting, playful, and even challenging to give and receive pleasure simultaneously, and the closeness of bodies can heighten intimacy through full body skin contact,” says Jessica O’Reilly, PhD, sexologist and co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay. “Some people report that reciprocity creates a shared erotic energy.” Hot.
Make it hotter: Duos with a drastic height difference should have the taller partner assume the top position. Alternatively, the shorter partner can simulate oral sex on their partner with a suction toy or stroker.
Having a sex toy close by is also a good move if one partner finds it tough to multitask, as it requires less focus to hold a toy than lick, suck, or do pretty much anything with your mouth. “If you have trouble concentrating while your partner is going down on you simultaneously, you can also maintain the position, but take turns giving and receiving,” O’Reilly says. “That way, you can still enjoy the closeness without the distractions.”
How to: The receiver sits on a chair with their legs wide open, while the giver kneels in front of them. (Pro tip: The giver should place a rolled towel or pillow under their knees for extra support—your joints will thank you!)
Benefits: This position works equally well for a slow, teasing build-up with loose, broad strokes or a more intense finish. In this position, the receiver can easily guide the giver’s head to direct attention where they want it most, and the giver gets a full view between the receiver’s legs, which is a turn-on for many people.
It’s also a natural fit for playing with power dynamics, “which can enhance erotic tension and activate arousal through anticipation, surrender, and more,” says O’Reilly. The receiving partner quite literally gets to feel like royalty as they perch on a throne (or, you know, an ottoman or chair), while the giver’s position embodies devotion.
Make it hotter: If power play revs your engine, O’Reilly suggests incorporating dirty talk into this position. If the more-dominant partner is kneeling, phrases like “Stay still—I want to take my time with you,” “Just sit there and take it like a good girl,” and the Fourth Wing-inspired “My house, my chair, my woman” all make it clear that they’re still in charge. (Not to mention, that last one involves a little roleplay that any romantasy-obsessed partner will love.)
Meanwhile, if the dominant partner is seated, they can guide the experience with cues like physically adjusting the rhythm, giving feedback, or using praise or degradation to reinforce their authority while still connected to what feels good.
Another way to spice things up? “Experiment with sensory overload or deprivation,” O’Reilly says. “Blindfolds or headphones can heighten sensation by drowning out noise or light and limiting distractions.”
5. The One Up
How to: The receiver lies on the bed with one leg in the air, while the giver kneels on the floor. (Again, protect thy knees!) If space allows, the receiver can scoot farther back onto the mattress so the giver can lie on their stomach for a more relaxed angle.
Benefits: Many people with a vulva find they’re more sensitive on one side of the clitoris, and this is the perfect sex position to make the most of that heightened sensitivity. With that in mind, the receiver should raise the leg corresponding to the sensitive side of the clitoris to expose it to the giver’s tongue. This change in angle opens everything else up visually and physically, which can enhance both access and arousal for both partners, says Pataky.
Make it hotter: The openness of this set-up naturally creates more access to the receiver’s vagina so the giver can mix in different types of touch. While using their mouth on the clitoris, they can get handsy, stimulating the surrounding areas or adding internal touch to create a more layered, full-body experience.
6. The Ball of Fun
How to try it: This position offers total access to the receiver’s vulva and/or anus. The receiving partner gets into a “ball” position, lying on their back, bending their knees to their chest, and gripping their shins. Then, the giver lies on their stomach and aligns their mouth with the receiver’s genitals.
Benefits: Ball of Fun is bar none if rimming is on the menu. “The anal opening contains many sensitive nerve endings, and gently stimulating it with the tongue can create unique sensations that some people find intensely pleasurable,” says Pataky.
What sets this analingus option apart from others is the sheer access it creates. “When someone brings their knees toward their chest or curls their body forward, the muscles of the pelvic floor and buttocks open in a way that can make access easier and stimulation more direct,” she explains. “For many couples, the position also increases feelings of vulnerability and trust, which can heighten the emotional and erotic intensity of the moment.”
Make it hotter: Sliding a sex pillow under the receiver’s hips will help keep their bum exposed, even if the receiver loosens their grip, says O’Reilly. This can be especially helpful for anyone with limited flexibility or endurance, or for those who’d rather relax and focus on the sensations.
7. Doggy Style
How to: Both partners get on their hands and knees. The receiver leans forward, propping up on their forearms and pressing their butt into the air. Then, the giver positions themselves so their face is between the receiver’s legs. For easier access and comfort, O’Reilly recommends placing a pillow or wedge under the receiver’s stomach to adjust the angle, if needed.
Benefits: There’s a primal quality to this position that goes beyond the name. Being face-down and hips-up can create a sense of surrender or of being fully immersed in the experience. “The receiver gets to sink into the mattress and relax while feeling desired and taken care of,” says O’Reilly.
This position also allows for a mix of sensations. For example, the giver might dabble in a little analingus while stimulating the receiver’s genitals with their fingers. Or, the receiver can also reach a hand between their own legs and self-pleasure while having their salad tossed.
Make it hotter: Talk about another great position for adding a power play into the mix. “The posture naturally invites submission in a way that many find deeply erotic,” says O’Reilly. If shoulder mobility allows, you might experiment with light restraint (like holding the receiver’s wrists). Or, if spanking is on the menu, try interspersing tongue licks with bum hits.
8. The Seated 7 and 1
How to: The receiver sits at the edge of a bed or a chair, keeping their legs semi-closed. (This is different than in Heir to the Throne, where they’re spread wide.) The giver kneels on the ground in front of them, placing their head between the receiver’s legs.
Benefits: Positions where the giver and receiver are at different heights lend themselves to power play, and this is no exception. “The giver is simultaneously in a vulnerable and powerful position—they are physically low, but have the power of having their mouth around the receiver’s most sensitive spots,” says O’Reilly. Leaning into that contrast through dirty talk, eye contact, and pacing can heighten psychological arousal and deepen the experience, she says.
Make it hotter: To increase the likelihood of finding what feels best, O’Reilly suggests varying technique, pressure, and focus. If the receiver has a penis, the giver can experiment with sucking at different speeds, as well as swiping and twirling their tongue, she says.
If the receiver has a vulva, alternate between long broad strokes across the entire erogenous zone, and sharp targeted tongue flicks along the external clitoris. “The giver could also try placing a pulsing tongue around the head of the clitoris or gently sucking the place where the lips meet at the bottom,” says O’Reilly.
9. V is for Victory
How to try it: Similar to the missionary position, the receiver lies on their back. The difference? Instead of keeping their legs down, the receiver raises their legs straight into the air, using their hands for support as needed.
Benefits: This position offers the giver a clear, unobstructed view of their partner’s genitals, adding a powerful visual element to the smell, taste, and touch, says O’Reilly. The layering of these sensory inputs can be incredibly arousing for the giver.
Make it hotter: The position of the receiver’s bum makes it perfect for administering a booty massage. The giver can increase anticipation by spending ample time kneading the muscle or caressing the curvature before eventually using their mouth.
If it’s something you’ve both previously discussed and negotiated, the angle also lends itself well to light impact play, like spanking, which can add contrast in sensation and intensity.
10. The Kivin Method
How to try it: Often described as a sideways oral, the Kivin method involves the receiver lying on their back while the giver positions themselves perpendicular to the receiver’s body. From this angle, the giver stimulates the clitoris using side-to-side tongue movements rather than the more common up-and-down motion.
Benefits: “Many people report that having their clitoris stimulated from the side feels different and more intense because it changes the direction of stimulation across the clitoral glans and surrounding tissue,” says Pataky. For those who have a more sensitive side, this approach can make it easier to build arousal and, for some, reach orgasm more quickly.
On the flip side, the broader, lateral motion can feel less intense for those who find direct, repetitive pressure overwhelming. “The sideways motion can create more diffuse stimulation,” Pataky explains, which may make the experience more comfortable while still being highly pleasurable.
Make it hotter: To enhance the sensation, the giver can incorporate their hands. Applying gentle pressure to the perineum—the area between the genitals and anus—can indirectly stimulate internal structures, which may deepen sensation and overall intensity.
11. The Sharkfin
How to: In this position, the giver is in the water, while the receiver lies back on the deck with their hips right at the edge.
Benefits: This is a fun oral sex position you can try in the pool—in fact, this is the only way we’d suggest having pool sex. Doin’ it in the water simply isn’t the greatest idea.
On top of that, it’s an ideal option for exploring your inner exhibitionist. While public sex may be off-limits (and illegal in many places), a private pool or hot tub can offer a similar thrill—letting you flirt with that edge in a more controlled setting.
Make it hotter: Repurpose your beach towel by rolling it up and sliding it under the receiver’s hips. Not only will this reduce the risk of the receiver getting road rash on their rear, but it will also increase accessibility.
12. The Swiper
How to: In this position, the receiver lies back while the giver focuses on suction-based stimulation—either using their mouth or incorporating a toy designed for that purpose.
Benefits: There’s a lot of versatility in this position. Not only is the receiver well-positioned for oral stimulation, but it is also in the perfect place for toy use. “Strokers for people with penises or suction-style toys for people with vulvas are designed to create some of the rhythmic pressure, suction, and focused stimulation that oral sex provides,” says Pataky. Incorporating one of these pleasure products into oral sex frees up the giver’s mouth for other things, such as nipple stimulation, kissing, and more.
Make it hotter: No doubt, exploring a toy with a partner for the first time can be hot. But Pataky suggests giving it a whirl during solo sex first: “Experimenting with pressure and speed without worrying about performing for a partner can help you learn more about what your body enjoys,” she says. “This can improve communication and satisfaction when you use it in partnered sex later on.”
Meet the Experts
- Carolina Pataky, PhD, LMFT, is a sexologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and co-founder of South Florida’s Love Discovery Institute.
- Rufus Spann, PhD, is a sex therapist and the founder of Libido Health, a digital sexual health and wellness company.
- Jessica O’Reilly, PhD, is a sexologist, host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast, and co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a sex and fitness journalist committed to helping people feel the best they can in their bodies. In addition to Men’s Health, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Women’s Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram @Gabriellekassel.
